Does anyone have a toddler who has problems falling back to sleep?

Jennifer - posted on 02/06/2012
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Hi there. My little girl used to be able to sleep pretty well before 2 yrs old, but I guess I've accidentally changed her sleeping habits. There was a about a week's time period when I would sit next to her bed and sing to her to make her fall asleep because she wasn't sleepy. She now wakes up a few times a night crying for mommy. The first time is usually about 2 hours after she goes to sleep. I usually let her just cry it out when she gets up the first time (I talk to her through the door). She doesn't usually cry for longer than 5 min.

She holds on to a soft old burp cloth when she is in bed. She still uses the Fisher Price's seahorse that glows and plays music too. I tried giving her a small teddy bear to hold also, but that doesn't help with soothing her.

If anyone that reads this has any advice please let me know, thank you.

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Jennifer - posted on 03/08/2012

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Thanks Tracey for your advice. I do use the cry it out method some (if she gets right out of bed after I leave), but I do need to start using it all the time. The only thing I don't like when I have to hold her door shut, is that she knocks on the inside of her door and I don't want her to hurt herself. I bought a baby gate, but I can't get it to attach really secure to the outside of her door and she's pushed that down once! Of course I think about the loss of sleep, but I guess this method should only take a week at the most. I'll start using a firmer voice though. :)

This reminds me of the "cry it out method". The reason she is crying is because you sitting next to her bed and singing to her. She now can't fall back to sleep without you sitting next to her or singing to her.

My son has started the "I'm not sleepy thing." However, I give him a few head/hand scratches and then tell him it's night night time and that I love him. I kiss him and walk out the door. He will then try the "I need some water" or "Something hurts". I just kiss him and tell him to go to sleep. It's bed time. And he then goes to sleep.

So, my suggestion is first to start calming her down about 45 minutes before bedtime. Do a puzzle or sit and rock with her. Then, about 15 minutes to bedtime, crawl in bed with her, read her a book, and give her a few minutes to chat while you scratch her head. This also gives you some bonding time with her. Then, in a very firm voice, say, "It's time to go to sleep. I love you and will see you in the morning." Then leave the room. If she cries, just let her cry. You have to show her that YOU are in charge.

Hayden wouldn't sleep for the first year until I figured out that I was the problem by rocking him to bed every night until he fell asleep. I swear this method works. Hayden learned to put himself to sleep and now sleeps about 9 1/s hours every night. Its' the best thing for them because it allows them to have a restful night without waking up every couple of hours.